Lahore, Jun.11 (ANI): Pakistan intelligence agencies have revealed that there exists a dirty nexus between local criminals and terrorists in Punjab, especially in the provincial capital Lahore, which has witnessed a spate of bloody terror strikes in the recent past.

According to intelligence inputs, there was damning evidence that the terrorist were providing various logistical support to the criminals to assist them in kidnapping for ransom and robberies in order to generate funds that they eventually use in carrying out terror attacks.

"Karachi has been known in the past as a place where terrorists collaborated with criminals to raise funds for their own activities, however, terrorists are now zooming in on Lahore," The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

Following the intelligence report, the top brass of the Lahore police have decided to maintain a comprehensive database of criminals, especially those who had been involved in robberies and kidnapping for ransom.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is strengthening its position in Punjab continuously and has joined hands with local 'jihadi' groups, but strangely enough the provincial government is living in denial, as it has opposed the idea of a Swat like military operation in the province.

While Interior Minister Rehman Malik had clearly pointed out that Punjab based terror organisations pose a great risk and that they are planning some major attacks across the country, provincial leaders believe that the situation is under control.

"Army operations are required only where there are no-go areas and there is no such situation in any part of Punjab," said Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Law Minister and a trusted aide of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

It is pertinent to mention here that Sanaullah had attracted wide criticism after he was seen hobnobbing with leaders of banned terror outfit Sipah-i-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) during a local election in Jhang a few days ago. (ANI)